CORN SMUT Meaning and
Definition
-
Corn smut, scientifically known as Ustilago maydis, is a plant disease caused by a fungus that affects corn plants. It is characterized by the abnormal growth of black, swollen, and tumorous galls or fungal spore masses on various parts of the corn plant, particularly the ears, tassels, and stems. The fungus invades the corn plant through wounds or natural openings, then proliferates, resulting in the formation of unsightly and irregular deformations.
The galls or smut masses caused by this fungal infection are typically dark, greyish-black in color and spongy in texture. They can vary in size, ranging from pea-sized to larger, irregular tumors, sometimes completely engulfing the infected plant parts. When the galls rupture, it releases countless amounts of black spores that can spread to nearby corn plants, particularly through wind or irrigation water, enabling the further dissemination of the disease.
While corn smut is often considered a destructive disease by farmers and gardeners due to the damage it causes to the corn crop, it elicits interest and intrigue with some individuals as it is edible and is considered a delicacy in certain cultures. In fact, corn smut is referred to as huitlacoche in Mexican cuisine, where it is highly valued for its unique flavor and culinary uses. The infected smut galls are harvested and utilized in various recipes, including tacos, soups, and stews, where they provide a distinctive earthy, somewhat sweet, and slightly smoky taste.
Efforts to control corn smut usually involve preventive measures such as crop rotation, ensuring good plant hygiene, and the use of resistant corn varieties. However, complete eradication of the disease can be challenging, especially in regions where corn smut is prevalent and
-
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for CORN SMUT
- xorn smut
- vorn smut
- forn smut
- dorn smut
- cirn smut
- ckrn smut
- clrn smut
- cprn smut
- c0rn smut
- c9rn smut
- coen smut
- codn smut
- cofn smut
- cotn smut
- co5n smut
- co4n smut
- corb smut
- corm smut
- corj smut
Etymology of CORN SMUT
The etymology of the term "corn smut" can be traced back to the combination of the words "corn" and "smut".
- "Corn" originates from the Old English word "corn", which referred to various cereal crops, including wheat, barley, and oats. In British English, "corn" typically refers to wheat, while in American English, it refers to maize.
- "Smut" comes from the Middle English word "smot", meaning "smudge" or "blemish". The term was used to describe various fungal diseases that affect plants, leaving dark, soot-like or smutty growths on the affected parts.
When these words are combined, "corn smut" describes a fungal disease specifically affecting corn plants, characterized by the growth of dark, swollen masses known as galls or tumors on the plant's ears, tassels, or other parts.
Similar spelling words for CORN SMUT
- cornishman,
- Corn Spurry,
- corn syrup,
- green smut,
- cornstarch,
- corn salad,
- corn sugar,
- grain smut,
- corn gluten,
- cornus,
- corn snow,
- cornish,
- corn snake,
- cornsmut,
- Cornus Mas.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
